The Details

The Outrigger Laguna Phuket Beach Resort in Thailand recently celebrated its official opening. It was only last July that Outrigger announced its purchase of the 20-acre property on Bang Tao Beach, Laguna Phuket, a 20-minute drive south from Phuket International Airport.

“The acquisition and opening of the Outrigger Laguna Phuket Beach Resort gives Outrigger a wonderful and iconic resort property in Phuket, a remarkable holiday destination that goes from strength to strength,” said David Carey, president and CEO of Outrigger Enterprises Group. “Early indications are that our new property will do very well in the family, couples and active lifestyle segments of the global holiday market.”

Outrigger Laguna Phuket Beach Resort is the only hotel in Laguna Phuket to offer Club services. Guests of Club accommodations get to check-in and check-out at the resort’s private lounge. They also receive special amenities, have access to a personal concierge and can enjoy breakfast and evening refreshments in an exclusive dining room.

At the resort’s opening ceremony, Darren Edmonstone, managing director, Asia-Pacific for Outrigger Enterprises Group, noted that the property has unique features that were already distinguishing the resort from its competitors. He said that the property’s exclusive Club Lounge privileges — large water slide and kids’ club, sports facilities and fully rejuvenated rooms, suites and villas, all with sea or lagoon views — made the property a “world-class product.”

The design for the completely revamped rooms and hotel landscaping was carried out by P49, an acclaimed Bangkok-based design company. One of the main features of the property is its Thai sense of arrival created by a lobby area with a wooden Thai house theme and traditional Thai images and artifacts. The lobby offers views out to the waters of the Andaman Sea. Walking paths connect accommodations to the calm lagoon and beach at Bangtao Bay. Perks for guests include free Wi-Fi access and complimentary trolley bus and ferry transport around Laguna Phuket.

“We are particularly proud of our five innovative food and beverage outlets,” said Edmonstone, “especially Locavore, which will set new benchmarks in ethical dining by sourcing the freshest locally-produced food from farmers and fishermen in the Phuket area.”

The aim of Locavore is to emphasize seasonality, sustainability and traceability through education and a close relationship with local farmers, fishermen and suppliers. The carbon emissions of getting the food to the table will be minimized as well.

Edmonstone went on to say that outstanding dining options were also available at Edgewater, the resort’s all-day beachside bistro, Metzo’s Mediterranean restaurant and in the Club Lounge, which according to Edmonstone is “designed like a Thai pier house.” Guests can also enjoy the Icon Lounge, a chill-out bar with modern Asian music and molecular cocktails.

The new resort opening means that Outrigger now has four properties open in Asia: Outrigger Laguna Phuket Beach Resort, the Outrigger Laguna Phuket Resort and Villas, the Outrigger Phi Phi Island Beach Resort and O-CE-N Bali by Outrigger, the latest addition to the Outrigger resort portfolio in Asia.